Zidane signals a new direction as France unveil first squad

Zinédine Zidane has used his first France squad announcement to signal a break with Didier Deschamps, selecting five new players and emphasizing an attacking approach. France 24 also reports major squad and club developments across European and African football, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal return and Sadio Mané’s injury absence.

Zinédine Zidane has marked the start of his tenure as France coach by promising a distinct approach from that of his predecessor, Didier Deschamps. According to France 24, Zidane included five new faces in his first squad and presented an attacking philosophy ahead of France’s opening Nations League matches.

The appointment gives Zidane his first opportunity to lead Les Bleus in competitive fixtures. France 24 described the changes as bringing a “breath of fresh air” to the national team, while the squad announcement made clear that the new coach intends to establish his own identity rather than continue directly with Deschamps’ methods.

Elsewhere, England are preparing to return to action after the World Cup with several prominent absences. France 24 reports that Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold were left out, while Phil Foden was not recalled. The source also says Cristiano Ronaldo remains available for Portugal, having been included in the squad selected by new coach Jorge Jesus.

In Africa, former France international Patrick Vieira has announced his first squad as Senegal coach. France 24 says Vieira named 29 players for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Ethiopia and Mozambique. Sadio Mané is absent because of injury.

Club football also featured prominently in the update. Monaco moved to the top of Ligue 1 after a 2-1 victory over Lens, while Chelsea suffered a 3-0 defeat at Brentford in the Premier League. In Germany, Bayern Munich defeated Union Berlin 7-0, with Michael Olise scoring a hat-trick and Harry Kane contributing two goals.

France’s sporting fortunes were less positive in tennis: France 24 reports that the national team trailed Canada 2-0 after the opening day of their Davis Cup tie.